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MITCHAM LOOP
Six well wrapped cyclists started off from the Library this afternoon,
eager to enjoy the beautiful, crisp winter's day. Mitcham Common was
quite breathtaking against the blue sky and we all stopped to admire
the frozen pond glimmer in the sunlight. A major mechanical problem
developed at the Common and meant that two cyclists headed home early.
The remaining four ambled on towards Willow Lane, through BedZed Eco
Development and then stopped at Beddington Park cafe for a short
chocolate refuel. The weather stayed cold but wonderfully clear, and
many stoppages were made just to enjoy watching the mist rise off the
Wandle and admire the fabulous autumn colours in Beddington Park and
again further on in Morden Hall Park. A splendid cup of tea was had at
the cafe in Merton Abbey Mills before the group headed off along the
new path in Myrna Close Nature Reserve towards Pollards Hill. Out for
four hours.
See some photos from today on Flickr
Sunday 13th November NONSUCH PALACE
Four brave cyclists joined Suzanne on this chilly November morning to discover the delights of Oaks Park & Henry VIII's Nonsuch Palace on a 20 mile circular ride. The riders warmed up quickly along the Wandle Trail, following the familiar route of many PHC rides out. However, the group soon hit new territory as the ride steamed through the suburban streets of Wallington into the surreally rural Telegraph Track near Oaks Park, part of the proposed Sustrans route from Battersea to Cornwall.
Fuelled by red wine and sausage sandwiches (and rice pudding..) the ride continued through Nonsuch Park and along the quiet London Cycle Network roads to Sutton Town Centre and back towards Mitcham Common. All ride members were safety back in Pollards Hill by 4.10pm.
See some photos from today on Flickr
Sunday 6th November
FANNY'S FARM 3 hardy souls turned out for our first ever bad weather ride. Driving rain and winds meant conditions were most unpleasant for cycling, even with the correct clothing.
The ride skipped the top part of Mitcham Common and used Watney's Rd, which is now closed to traffic, to get to the south part of the common and over to Beddington Lane tram stop. Just beyond the platform is a path that leads along the edge of the golf course and down behind the sewage farm. This is an excellent but little-known off-road route that leads directly to Carew Manor in Beddington Park.
The first stop at Croydon Airport turned out to be a bit of a disaster as refreshments were not being served until midday. Instead, tea was ordered at the adjacent cafe where service was painfully slow.
Despite the setbacks, everyone remained in good spirits. We will try this ride again when the weather is better as Fanny's Farm is a real treat.
See some photos from today on Flickr
April 2007 ride reports
Tea, cake, scrambled eggs and Snickers sustained the group as a tricky puncture delayed the departure from the mid-morning tea stop. Time was soon made up across Banstead Downs as Suzanne's map-reading inabilities failed to appear. We made good progress towards Nonsuch and felt able to enjoy an extended lunch in the Spring Tavern in Ewell Village.
Due to the weather and the road conditions, a unanimous decision was made to abort the ride and return home the way we came. To add insult to injury, one rider suffered a puncture in Beddington Park and decided to walk home instead of fixing it in the rain.
March 2007 ride reports
February 2007 ride reports
January 2007 ride reports
December 2006 ride reports
November 2006 ride reports
October 2006 ride reports
September 2006 ride reports
August 2006 ride reports
July 2006 ride reports
June 2006 ride reports
May 2006 ride reports
April 2006 ride reports
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January 2006 ride reports
December 2005 ride reports
November 2005 ride reports
October 2005 ride reports
September 2005 ride reports
August 2005 ride reports